The modern construction complex could not function successfully without universal materials like standard steel structures. Today, ready-made steel structures are used everywhere: in urban planning and civil engineering, for the construction of agricultural facilities and production areas, offices and residential buildings, warehouses and retail premises, etc.
At the same time, the quality of metal structures and their affordable price are arguments in favour of prefabricated construction, which enterprising business managers and owners of companies and firms choose today. In this article, you’ll get a detailed overview of the areas where you can use or apply steel structures and the advantages of steel-framed buildings, and you’ll get pointed to a steel frame construction company.
Types of Metal Structures: Scope of Application
The extended classification involves dividing steel structures into different types according to several basic characteristics. All types of metal structures are usually divided into several main groups:
- stationary;
- collapsible;
- transformer structures.
The last two types are the most popular in modern construction. Transformers and prefabricated structures make it possible to erect buildings and structures of various storeys, configurations, and purposes quickly. All steel structures are highly durable, long-lasting, and affordable compared to traditional types of construction. With all these advantages, the quality of metal structures is highly reliable, which is confirmed by the relevant certificates of the manufacturing companies.
Considering the production method, it is customary to distinguish steel framed structures:
- cast;
- riveted;
- welded;
- stamped;
- combined.
At this stage, industrial steel structures of all types are actively used for the construction and erection of buildings and structures for various purposes. The widespread use of metal structures is due to their excellent operational and quality characteristics.
All industrial metal structures can be divided into the following types according to their functional purpose.
- Light steel structures are used to construct quickly erected structures and buildings for almost any purpose.
- Steel-framed structures are used to construct various structures and buildings.
- Non-standard metal structures are manufactured to order to construct facilities for various purposes, considering the specifics of production or intended activities.
- Metal structures intended for the construction of block containers of various standard qualities.
- Small metal structures are used to construct and install road barriers and signs, stairs, etc.
- Metal structures designed for road construction works of any complexity (tunnels, bridges, overpasses, etc.).
- Metal structures for constructing high-rise buildings (power transmission line masts, antennas, television and radio masts, etc.).
- Sheet metal structures (solid-wall) are containers of various volumes (tanks, reservoirs, gas holders), isothermal and horizontal tanks, membranes and diaphragms (ceilings of large-span structures).
Advantages of Steel Structures
Like every structural building material, all metal structures have advantages and minor disadvantages. But we will focus on the advantages in this post because they outweigh the minor drawbacks:
- Ease of manufacture and the possibility of serial production;
- high-quality metal structures;
- lightweight;
- Ease and speed of installation;
- possibility of gentle multiple dismantling;
- increased reliability and durability;
- convenience during transportation;
- short deadlines for construction of any complex facility;
- possibility of manufacturing metal structures according to an individual project;
- high aesthetic characteristics;
- the possibility of constructing buildings and structures of any number of storeys and configurations;
- possibility of any design and architectural solution;
- Fastening of metal structures is characterized by high strength and reliability;
- excellent performance characteristics;
- Environmental safety.
Methods of Fastening and Connecting Steel Structures
The installation of metal structures involves reliable and high-quality connections of individual steel elements into a single supporting frame. Metal structure connections can be movable and strong, permanent and detachable. At the same time, the quality of steel structures directly depends on whether the installation method is chosen correctly.
Installing metal structures is a serious and responsible process that requires increased attention. In this regard, fastening metal structures should be carried out only by highly qualified specialists from a steel frame construction company, considering all safety requirements.
There are several basic methods of fastening metal structures:
- Detachable fastening of metal structures is one of the simplest ways of connecting steel structures, which is carried out using bolts and self-tapping screws.
- The welded fastening of metal structures is carried out using the welding method. The most common types of welding during installation are gas, laser, and cold plasma.
- Fastening metal structures using rivets is one of the most effective methods for strong connections between thin metal plates.
- Fastening using the glueing method is carried out using special high-tech adhesives.
- The soldering method involves using molten solder to fasten metal structures. It is used quite rarely as it is labour-intensive and costly.
Metal structures are an economically advantageous and universal building material used today in almost all spheres of human activity, without exception for the rapid construction of facilities for various purposes (industrial, cultural and entertainment, residential, agricultural, etc.). Affordable price, high-strength qualities, installation speed and durability, are the fundamental characteristics determining the popularity of steel structures worldwide.
Conclusion
Steel and aluminum metal structures allow for the rapid construction of buildings and structures of various configurations. Customers can choose a design and architectural solution that takes into account their wishes. The quality and reliability of the connections and fastenings of metal structures guarantee safety during the operation of prefabricated structures. Hence, contact a professional steel frame construction company now to pitch your wish and get a reliable, quality steel frame building for all uses.